They say Venice has more artistic masterpieces per square metre than any other place in the world. Believe it. Where else could capture hearts and minds as diverse as Marco Polo, Casanova and Coco Chanel? At first sight, it’s impossible not to fall under its spell. This city is utterly and undeniably fascinating.
Founded over 1500 years ago by refugees fleeing from from Attila the Hun, the marshy lands were intended to provide a temporary safe haven. The settlers hurriedly built houses on stilts, dropping wooden poles into the swamp-bed and balancing their homes on top.
Although the houses are sturdier these days, Venice is still very much a city of water. You can barely walk for more than a few minutes without crossing the bridge of a canal and the only way to get around is by boat, be it gondola, water taxi or public water bus. The water is a dreamy shade of jade green. It doesn’t stink like some say and is almost transparent in places.
The streets are narrow, dark and labyrinth-like. There is a sense of timelessness about the buildings – strict planning laws keep it that way, but that’s only part of the reason.
In the summertime, the light that rains down on the canals and laneways cries out to be immortalised in a painting or re-told in a story. But words and images can only express so much. Venice is a city that needs to be seen to be believed.
A traditional gondola
Unchanged for centuries
Like a painting
Inspiration at Piazza San Marco
The only way to travel in Venice
Jade green canals
Carnival Masks
Venetian artisan at work
You shall go to the ball...
Great stuff Fiona…Love the one of the guy on the bridge…
Thanks – was actually quite lost at the time and spotted him standing there and was lucky enough to capture him on film.
I’ve been twice and never rode the gondolas. Your photos makes me want to come back and ride one.. as touristy as they are. Great photos!
great photos! venice was everything we had pictured it to be. it’s one of the prettiest cities we’ve visited.
It really, really is – hard to believe you’re there when you see it!
I love Venice! Great job capturing it in photos.
Thanks John, it’s so photogenic!
What a beautifully-written post, Fiona. I’ve not been to Venice, but after your description it seems as if I’m the one missing out. Perhaps add it to my Go with Oh tour of Italy?
Yes – you have to go Leah, there’s nowhere quite like it!
Lovely pics! Although i cant help but feel the Gondolas are a bit of a tourist trap.. 🙂
Duncan
There open to haggling though and it’s sort of a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.
I love Venice so so so much! I also love how you describe it here, its “timelessness” and that the city needs to be seen to be believed. Gorgeous photos, too!
Thank you Francesca – it’s a really inspiring place!